Strip drive and positioning mechanism



Dec. 7, 1965 F. S. STAUFFER ETAL STRIP DRIVE AND POSITIONING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 29, 1961 FIG.3.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Lil INVENTORSI FRED S. STAUFFER CLARIS L. DONELSON THEIR ATTORNEYS Dec. 7, 1965 F, s. STAUFFER ETAL 3,221,431

STRIP DRIVE AND POSITIONING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 29. 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5.

INVENTORSI FRED S. STAUF'FER CLARIS L.DONEL1SON BYAjZLMWKE HEIR ATTORNEYS I United States Patent 3,221,431 STRIP DRIVE AND POSHTTQNHNG MECHANISM Fred S. Staufier, Saratoga, and Claris L. Donelson, San

Jose, Calif assignors to international Business Machines orporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York 1 Filed Dec. 29, 1%1, Ser. No. 163,207

21 Claims. (Cl. 401tl6.1)

The present invention relates to a drive mechanism, and pertains more particularly to a mechanism for driving and positioning a selected one of a plurality of film strips with a selected portion thereof in register with a work zone.

in various information retrieval systems, such as, for example, a photo-ledger mechanism, a plurality of film strips are stored in bins with each of the film strips in a selected location therein. Each of the film strips has a plurality of entries at longitudinally spaced intervals thereon, and control data pertaining to each of these entries may be stored in a computer type mechanism consisting, for example, of one or more conventional, magnetic coated discs operating in conjunction with one or more transducers, and including electrical and electronic mechanisms and circuitry of Well known types.

The present invention pertains to a mechanism for removing a selected strip from a bin containing a plurality of such strips, and for positioning such selected strip with a selected portion thereof in register with a work zone.

Another object of the invention is to employ a separate clocking strip to position a strip having a plurality of data entries thereon with a selected one of said entries accurately located relative to a control element.

The invention also provides an improved film strip drive and positioning mechanism having a film strip storage bin with a plurality of film strips stored therein, means being provided for positioning the bin with a selected one of the film strips in register with strip moving means, means for moving such selected film strip end- Wise thereof to a selected position relative to a Work zone beyond the bin, means for arresting such strip in such selected position, and return drive means for thereafter returning such strip to its place in the bin, the positioning of the film strip being controlled by a clocking strip separate from the film strips.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for feeding a selected film strip into operative, driving engagement with a clocking strip, the latter having clocking elements thereon, which, upon driven movement of the clocking strip, actuate control means which in turn actuate mechanism for arresting such selected film strip in a numerically selected position relative to a Work zone.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved film strip drive and positioning mechanism employing a single clocking strip to control the positioning of any one of a plurality of film strips.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the follow ing more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. l is a vertical, sectional view through a mechanism embodying the invention, portions being broken away.

FIG. 2 is a top, plan view of the upper portion of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of the arrows 22 of FIG. 1, portions of a clutch-pulley being shown in section.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, side, elevational view of one of the two, inverted, U-shaped drive roller and brake block frames and its associate shafts.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the other inverted, U-shaped drive roller and brake block frame and its associated drive roller shaft.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 1, portions being broken away.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, somewhat diagrammatic, perspective view of the principal operative parts of the mechanism shown in FIGS. 15, portions being broken away.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional ViCW showing a selected film strip projected into operative, driving engagement with the clocking strip, portions of the mechanism being omitted.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the data frame portion of a film strip, and showing one type of data which may be carried thereon.

Briefly, an illustrative embodiment A of the invention comprises a film strip storage bin B, having a plurality of data carrying film strips 10 inserted slidably into grooves 11 provided therefor in the bin. While the illustrated mechanism is positioned with the film strips 10 in upright condition, and the mechanism is so de scribed herein, it is obvious that it will operate satisfactorily in other positions.

Positioning means 12 are provided for positioning the strip storage bin B with a selected film strip 10a therein located directly beneath a pair of constantly rotating drive rollers 13 and 14, and directly over a film strip kick-up blade 15. Actuation of the kick-up blade 15 by a solenoid 17 connected thereto elevates such selected film strip to bring its upper end between the drive rollers 13 and 14, which at this stage of operation are separated to receive it. The rotating drive rollers 13 and 14 are thereupon moved together by the energization of an up-drive solenoid 18 to grip the selected film strip 10a therebetween and drive it upwardly,

As the upper end of the selected film strip 10a emerges upwardly from between the drive rollers 13 and 14, it engages a pair of clips 19 secured to the lower end of a clocking strip 20, and carries the latter upwardly with it.

The clocking strip 20 is provided with a plurality of clocking elements 21 thereon (FIGS. 6 and 7) which are spaced apart lengthwise of the clocking strip by distances corresponding to the center-tocenter spacing of successive data frames 22 on the film strips 10. The illustrated clocking elements 21 are clear, transparent bands in an otherwise opaque film strip, and are located to traverse a light beam 23 operatively directed transversely of the clocking strip toward a photo-electric cell 24.

As each clocking band 21 of the clocking strip 20 enters the light beam 23, and, due to its transparency, allows the beam to pass through to the photo-electric cell 24, the latter is energized by the light beam to produce an electric pulse. These pulses are transmitted by conventional circuitry, such as the wires 27 and 28, FIG. 1, to a conventional pulse counting mechanism 29. The latter is set up for each clocking operation in a well known manner to count a determined number of such pulses to be transmitted to it before de-energizing the solenoid 18 to arrest the film strip 10a.

When such determined number of pulses have been transmitted, and the solenoid 18 is de-energized, the solenoid spring 30 separates the up-drive rollers 13 and 14- and swings a brake block 31 into gripping arresting engagement with the film strip 10a. The clearance of the brake block 31 from the film strip is only a few thousandths of an inch, so that while the drive rollers are breaking contact with the strip, the brake block is engaging it. This action arrests the film strip 10a With the numerically selected frame of pair of frames 22 and 22" thereon in register with the work zone 36. There,

data on one or the other or both of the selected frames 22' and 22 may be processed as required.

For returning the film strip Itia to the bin B after processing, the clocking strip 211 is constantly held between a pair of return drive rollers 32 and 33 located at the upper end of the mecahnism A. The return roiler 32 of this pair is constantly urged rotatively by a light, friction clutch 34 (FIG. 2) in the direction of the arrow adjacent thereto in FIG. 1, thereby to urge the clocking strip 211 downwardly.

Upon completion of the processing of a selected film strip 10a a return release solenoid 35 is energized, thereby swinging a brake block 37 (FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6) clear of the film strip 111a, and thus releasing the latter for free downward movement. Thereupon, the clocking strip 20, under the urging of the return drive rollers 32 and 33, drives the thus released film strip 10a downwardly until the latter bottoms on shelves 38 provided at the lower ends of the film guide grooves 11 in the bin B.

Upon the bottoming of the film strip 1t9a in the bin B, the up-drive solenoid 18 is again energized to bring the up-drive rollers 13 and 14 into driving relation with the clocking strip for a sufficient length of time to raise the clocking strip clear of the up-drive rollers, at which point the solenoid 18 is tie-energized to allow the solenoid spring to swing the drive roller 13 clear of the clocking strip, and to swing the brake block 31 into gripping relation with the clocking strip, which is held in this position of FIG. 4, ready for the next film strip processing operation.

Referring to the drawings in greater detail, in the illustrated embodiment A of the invention a stationary main frame 39 has two similar, downwardly extending, side frame portions 40 (FIG. 1) one on each side thereof. A pair of storage bin support tracks 41 (FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7) are mounted in laterally opposite, parallel relation one on the lower end of each of these side frame portions, to support film strip storage bins B for longitudinal movement thereon, directly beneath the up-drive rollers 13 and 14.

The illustrated film strip storage bin B is provided with forward and rearward walls 42 and 43, and interiorly grooved side walls 44 and 45. The narrow film strip support shelves 38 are formed one along each bin side Wall at the lower ends of the grooves 11 to support the film strips 10 thereon, the bottom of the bin B being otherwise open. In the illustrated bin B the grooves 11 are arranged in laterally opposite, parallel pairs. Each such laterally opposite pair of grooves has one film strip 10 inserted slidably therein. A suitable center-to-center spacing for adjacent film receiving grooves 11 on the same side of the bin has been found to be .020", but obviously this distance is not critical.

For centering a selected film strip 10a directly over the kick-up blade 15, the illustrated bin positioning means 12 (FIG. 1) comprises a solenoid 46, having a pawl 47 pivotally connected to the lower end of an extension of the solenoid armature 48 and in operative engagement with a toothed rack 49. The latter is in pushing engagement with a bin B carrying the film strip 19a to be positioned, and the spacing between the teeth of the rack 49 is equal to the spacing between adjacent film strips 10 in the bin B. Upon each energization of the solenoid 17 the bin B is advanced by the pawl 47 to position a successive film strip 111 in the bin B in operative register with the kick-up blade 15. The specific type of bin positioning means is not a feature of the invention, and the use of other suitable positioning means, such as, for example, a well-known piston adder, will be obvious to any routine engineer or designer familiar with the art.

As illustrated, the bin positioning solenoid 46, like the other solenoids 17, 18 and (FIG. 1) of the present illustrative embodiment of the invention, is incorporated in a simple circuit, and the mechanism is fully operable in this manner. However, as will be apparent to those familiar with the art, the invention may be readily provided with suitable control circuits and mechanisms to perform various types of work. In such cases the film strip drive and positioning mechanism of the present invention may be incorporated with such other circuits and mechanisms, and computer or other automatic types of controls in a manner well known to routine designers and operators of such mechanisms. The presently illustrated mechanism, therefore, provides a complete disclosure of the presently preferred form of the invention without unnecessarily complicating the present drawings or description.

The kick-up blade 15 is guided for movement longitudinally thereof between two pairs of freely rotatable, light weight, guide rollers 51) and 51, which are journaled on pins 52 extending transversely between downward extensions 53 (FIG. 1) of the frame 39. The kick-up blade 15 is of sufiicient thickness to insure operative engagement with a selected film strip 1%, but thin enough to fit freely between alternate pairs of the film holding grooves 11 so as to not engage the film strips on opposite sides of a selected one when in the act of kicking the latter upwardly.

The lower end of the kick-up blade 15 is provided with a transverse pin 54, which is mounted in a slotted hole 55 in the free end of a lever arm 57, the other end of which is pivotally mounted on a standard 58 provided therefor on a fixed frame element 59. A pin ti on an extension of the armature 61 of the solenoid 17 rides in a slotted hole provided therefor medially of the lever arm 57.

A coil return spring 62 is held in compression between the solenoid coil 63 and a washer 64 secured to the armature 61 by a through-pin 65 to normally urge the lever arm 57, and With it the kick-up blade 15, toward their lowermost, retracted positions of FIG. 1. Upon energization of the solenoid 17 the lever arm 57, and with it the kick-up blade 15, are urged rapidly upwardly, engaging the lower end of the selected film strip 10a centered over the kick-up blade, and raising this film strip to a sufficient height to bring its upper end between the up-drive rollers 13 and 14. These rollers, at this stage of the operation, are held in their separated position by the spring 31 of up-drive solenoid 18.

The rollers 13 and 14 are driven by a drive motor 67 (FIG. 5), which runs continuously during operation of the mechanism A. This motor has coupled, driving connection with the shaft 68 of the up-drive roller 14- by means of a pulley-coupling 69. A pair of intermeshing gears 70 and 71, having pitch-diameters equal to the diameter of the drive rollers 13 and 14, are secured, respectively, to the shafts of the up-drive rollers 13 and 14 to drive these rollers in opposite directions as indicated by the curved arrows adjacent thereto in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7.

The peripheral faces of the up-drive rollers 13 and 14 are quite narrow, as best shOWn in FIG. 5, and are positioned to engage opposite sides of the central zone 25 (FIGS. 6 and 7) of a film strip It) between the two rows of data frames 22 thereon.

The shaft 72 of the left hand up-drive roller 13, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, is journaled in bearings provided therefor in the lower ends of the legs 74 and 75 of an inverted, U-shaped frame 77 (FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6). This U-frame 77 is mounted for rocking movement on a shaft 78, which extends transversely through the midportions of the legs 74 and 75 of this U-frame, and is journaled in bearings '79 and 84 (FIGS. 1 and 5) secured one to each side of the fixed main frame 39. The brake block 31 is integral with the transverse upper portion of this U-frame 77, and is aligned directly above the updrive roller 13 so as to engage the same mid-zone 25 of the film strip 10.

The up-drive solenoid 18 which actuates the left hand U-frame 77 as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 has the coil 30 thereof fixedly secured to the main frame 39. An extension of the armature 82 of this solenoid is attached by a pin 83 (FIG. 1) to the lower end of the U-frame 77 with sutficient clearance to permit the very slight rocking movement requioed therebetween. Energization of the up-drive solenoid 18 swings the U-frame 77 in a counter-clockwise direction, and thereby urges the updrive roller 13 toward the other, axially fixed, up-drive roller 14 to grip a film strip interposed therebetween.

De-energization of the solenoid 18 allows its coil spring 30, held in compression between the solenoid coil 8-1 and a washer 85 secured by a pin 87 to the armature 82, to swing the U-frame 7'7 in a clockwise direction from its film driving position of FIG. 1. This action withdraws the drive roller 13 from driving engagement with a film strip 10a interposed between the up-drive rollers, and moves the brake block 31 on the upper end of the U-frame 77 into film-gripping relation with the other brake block 37.

Substantially instantaneous action of the brake blocks 31 and 37 upon release of the drive rollers 13 and 14 and vice versa is attained by so mounting the U-frame 77 and a second U-frame 88 to be described later herein, and by so adjusting the solenoids 18 and 35, that only sufiicient clearance is provided between the brake blocks 31 and 37 when the solenoid 18 is energized to insure that the brake blocks are clear of the film strip, for example, a clearance of the order of .005 has been found satisfactory. This slight amount of clearance also insures that the gears '76} and '71 will not he unmeshed by the operation of the solenoid 18.

To prevent the brake block 31 from swinging unnecessarily beyond its braking position under the impetus of the solenoid spring 84 when the other brake block 37 is withdrawn to release a film strip for downward or return travel, a stop screw 39 (FIG. 1) is screwed to adjusted position, co-axially of the armature 82, in a threaded hole provided therefor in a bracket 90 secured to the frame 39. Adjustment of this screw controls the outward or left hand limit of movement of the armature 82 by its spring 84.

The shaft 68 of the right hand up-drive roller 14 as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 is journaled in bearings 91 (FIG. 5) provided therefor on the main frame 39, and the second inverted, U-shaped frame 88 (FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6) has the lower ends of its legs 92 and 93 journaled on this shaft. The right hand brake block 37 is formed on the transverse upper portion of this second U-frame 88, di rectly opposite, and facing, the brake block 31 of the left hand U-frame 77.

The return release solenoid operates this second U-frame 88 and its coil 91 is secured by a set screw 95 in an opening provided therefor in the main frame 39. The armature 97 of solenoid 35 has an extension thereof attached by a pin 98 to the upper end of the U-frame 88 with sufi'icient clearance to allow the slight rocking action required between the U- frame and the armature during operation of the solenoid.

When the return release solenoid 35 is de-energized, its spring 96, which preferably is stronger than the spring 84 of the up-drive solenoid 18, urges the right hand U- frame 88 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1, thereby to urge the brake block 37 toward operative, film gripping relation with the other brake block 31. Energization of the return release solenoid 35 swings the right hand U-frame 88 in a clockwise direction to withdraw the brake block 37 beyond the limit of movement of the other brake block 31 and thus release a film strip interposed therebetween.

Movement of the solenoid armature 97 toward the left under the impetus of its spring 96, as shown in FIG. 1, is limited by an enlarged head portion 99 on the end of the armature 97 riding in a counterbore 100 of the bore of the coil 94, while movement of the armature 97 toward the right upon energization of its coil 94 is limited by a stop screw 191, which is screwed into a threaded hole provided therefor in a plate 102 secured over the end of the coil 94 co-axially with the armature 97.

The clocking strip 20 is of the same Width, and preferably of approximately the same thickness, as the data carrying film strips 11), and rides in the pair of parallel guide grooves 16 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6) provided one in each of a pair of upwardly extending, laterally opposite frame members 104 and 105.

In the illustrated form A of the invention, the clocking elements 21 are clear, transparent bands in an otherwise opaque clocking strip, and are positioned to traverse the pencil beam 23 of light as the clocking strip 21} is driven upwardly. Obviously, other suitable types of clocking elements, such as, for example, punched holes, electrically conductive, magnetic and light reflecting markings, will be apparent to others working with the present invention, and the specific type of clocking element employed is not essential to the invention.

The uppermost clocking element 21 (FIG. 6) is so located on the clocking strip 211 as to intercept the light beam 23 when the uppermost pair of data frames 22' and 22 of a selected film strip 10a there'beneath are in a position to be arrested in register with the work zone 36 (FIG. 1). The spacing of the successively lower clocking bands 21a-21x, etc., from the topmost one 21 corresponds to the center-to-center spacing of the successively lower data frames from the uppermost pair 22' and 22" thereof to successively lower ones 22a-22x etc.

The light beam 23 is generated by conventional light beam generating means, indicated diagrammatically by an electric light 107 and lens system 1.98 (FIG. 1). Since it is not per se a feature of the invention, and since such light beam generating mechanisms are well known, it will not be necessary to illustrate or describe it in detail herein.

The light beam 23 is directed toward suitable light sensitive means, such as the conventional pulse-generating photo diode 24, so that as each clear, transparent band 21 of the illustrated clocking strip 20 allows the light beam 23 to reach the photo cell 24 it will cause the latter to transmit an operative electric pulse to the pulse counter 29. When the required number of such pulses have been transmitted to the counter, depending in each case upon the pre-setting of the counter for a selected number, the pulse counter, in a well known manner, opens the circuit to the up-drive solenoid 18 to arrest the film strip 10a described previously herein.

In the event that it should be desired to process data in a selected data frame, such as the frame 21 (FIGS. 6 and 7) a line at a time, the clocking elements 21 may be located to bring the topmost line 1139 (FIG. 8) of a selected data frame into register with a work zone (not shown) of a width to process such one line only. Successive lines of such frame may then be moved into such work zone by successively closing the circuit to the up-drive solenoid 18 for a timed pulse only long enough to advance the film strip the slight distance required to bring the next line into register with such work zone, and so on until all desired lines of such data frame have been processed.

To insure positive return of the film strip 16a to its position in the bin B upon the completion of a film processing operation, the clocking strip 21) is gripped lightly between the return drive rollers 32 and 33. These rollers are supported upon a bracket 110, which is secured to the upper end of the upright main frame member by bolts 111 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The return drive roller 32 is secured co-axially to one end of a roller shaft 112, which is journaled in an elongated sleever 113 formed integrally with the support bracket 110.

The other end of the shaft 112 projects beyond the sleeve 113, and a clutch pulley 114 is journaled for free relative rotation on such projecting end portion of the shaft 112. The clutch pulley 114- is driven in the opposite direction from the coupling-pulley 69 on the continuously rotating, motor-driven shaft 68 of the up-drive roller 14 by a crossed belt 115 passed around both of said pulleys.

A cylindrical flange 11". is provided co-axially on the clutch pulley 114, and a friction drive strip 118 of suitable, flexible material, such as, for example, the plastic known as Mylar, is threaded through a hole provided therefor diametrically through the roller shaft 112. The ends of this strip bear lightly against the internal surface of the flange 117, and thus lightly urge the shaft 112 and the return drive roller 32 mounted thereon in a direction to urge the clocking strip 20 downwardly.

The light weight presser roller 33, which may be of nylon or other suitable material, is journaled on a stud 119 secured to an arm 120 which is pivoted on a screw 121 on the bracket 116. A light coil spring 128 is connected in tension between the bracket 110 and the arm 12% to urge the presser roller 33 toward the return drive roller 32.

The operation of the illustrated form of the invention is as follows: It is assumed that it is desired to position a selected film strip 19a with the second pair of data frames 22a and 22a from the top thereof in the work zone 36 for processing. With a film strip storage bin B loaded with film strips 11) and mounted on the tracks 41, and all of the solenoids de-energized, the bin positioning solenoid as is energized a required number of times by means of its switch 122 to position such selected film strip a directly over the kick-up blade 15.

The latter is then actuated by closing switch 123 to energize the solenoid 17, which thereupon drives the kick-up blade rapidly upwardly between its guide rollers 511 and 51 to raise the selected film strip 10a to a position with its upper end between the up-drive rollers 13 and 14-, which, at this stage of the operation, are held in their separated position by the spring 34 of the updrive solenoi At this time also the clocking strip remains gripped between the brake blocks 31 and 37 with its lower end just above the up-drive rollers 13 and 14, as will be made apparent later herein.

As the selected film strip 16a is thus elevated to a position with its upper end between the drive rollers 13 and 14, the up-drive solenoid 18 is energized by closing a switch 124 (FIG. 1) to complete a circuit 125 controlled by the pulse counter 29. This circuit 125, like the others illustrated in FIG. 1, is so simple and obvious to one familiar with the art as to be immediately apparent from the drawings without the need for detailed explanation.

Energization of the up-drive solenoid 18 causes the latter to swing the U-frame 77 in a counter-clockwise direction to free the clocking strip 2%} from the brake blocks 31 and 37 and to move the rollers 13 and 14 the necessary few thousandths of an inch required to bring them into driving engagement with the film strip 10a therebetween. As the selected film strip 10a thus begins its upward travel between the up-drive rollers 13 and 14, the upper end of such film strip engages the clips 19 on the lower end of the clocking strip 20 and carries the latter upwardly with it.

At some time prior to the closing of the switch 124 and the interception of the light beam 23 by the first or uppermost clocking band 21 of the clocking strip 20, the pulse counter 29 is set, in a well known manner, to count a required number of pulses from the photo cell 24 (in the presently assumed case, two) before deenergizing the tip-drive solenoid 13.

As the second clocking band 21a from the top of the clocking strip 2th enters the light beam 23 and thus allows the light therefrom to reach the photo cell 24 and cause the latter to transmit a second pulse to the pulse counter 229 (the topmost clocking band 21 having caused the first such pulse), the pulse counter 29 thereupon opens the circuit 125 to the up-drive solenoid 18, thereby permitting the solenoid spring 313 to swing the left hand so has.

U-frarne '77 the few thousandths of an inch in a clockwise direct-ion required to withdraw the up-drive roller 13 from driving engagement with the film strip Mia, and to bring the brake block 31 into gripping, arresting engagement with such film strip, the opposite sides of which is backed up by the other brake block 37.

This action positions the selected second pair of data frames 22a and 22a in the work zone 36, ready for processing. The nature of the processing performed in this work zone is immaterial to the present invention, and will depend upon the use to which the invention is to be put. For example, if the material in a selected frame is a micro-photograph of a page of a book (not shown) or is a name and address as shown in enlarged scale in FIG. 8, it may be desired to enlarge and project the material in this frame onto a viewing screen for reading, or onto a sensitized, or photo-sensitive sheet or platen for photocopying, or to transmit such material by video circuit or other means to a remote point for such use as may be required.

Upon completion of the required processing of the data on such selected frames, or on either of them, in the work zone 36, switch 127 is closed to energize the return release solenoid 35, which thereupon swings the right hand U- frame 83 in a clockwise direction to remove the brake block 37 beyond the reach of the brake block 31 and thus to free the film strip 19a for downward movement. Thereupon, the light frictional driving effect of the flexible strip 118, wiping against the inner surface of the clutch pulley flange 117, urges the return drive roller 32 in the direction of the arrow adjacent thereto in FIGS. 1 and 6 with sufficient force to drive the clocking strip 26), and with it the film strip 10a therebeneath, downwardly until the lower end of the film strip 16a bottoms on the shelves 33 at the lower end of its grooves 11 in the storage bin B. This light, downward driving effect of the return drive clutch pulley 32 is not sufficient to damage or permanently distort the film strips 111a.

After the film strip 111a has thus bottomed, the switch 127 is opened to de-energize the return release solenoid 35, and the up-drive solenoid 18 is then again energized by the closing of a switch 135 for a sufficient length of time to drive the clocking strip 21) upwardly to a position just clear of the drive rollers 13 and 14. The switch 130 is then opened to allow the solenoid spring 30 to swing the left hand U-frame 77 in a clockwise direction to bring the brake block 31 thereon into gripping engagement with the clocking strip. All solenoids remain de-energized with the clocking strip held in this position of FIG. 4 until it is again engaged by a film strip upon the initiaton of the next film strip processing operation.

The invention provides a film strip selecting and positioning mechanism which allows rapid and accurate processing of any desired frame or frames of a selected film strip, and insures accurate registering of a selected frame of such selected film strip in a work zone. It also provides for the rapid and complete return of each strip to storage upon the completion of such processing. Since the clocking strip and its elements are separate from the film strips which they control, damage or replacement of a film strip does not require replacement of the clock ing strip, and vice versa. The use of one inexpensive clocking strip for all of the film strips, and the use of drive rollers instead of expensive claw or clamp mechanisms for advancing the strips makes the present invention accurate, simple and relatively inexpensive.

The invention is adapted for use with numerous data processing and retrieval systems and mechanisms, and is capable of integration with such systems and mechanism by routine designers and engineers familiar therewith.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a data access mechanism, film strip drive and positioning mechanism comprising a single clocking strip, a plurality of separate, individual, data bearing film strips, mechanism for placing the clocking strip in controlled, driving relation with a selected one of the film strips, a work zone mounted in the path of movement of a selected one of the film strips, and means controlled by the clocking strip for driving the clocking strip and a selected one of the film strips to position a selected portion of such selected film strip in register with the work zone.

2. In a data access mechanism, film strip drive and positioning mechanism, a clocking strip, a plurality of separate film strips, means for moving a selected one of said film strips in co-ordinated driving relation with the clocking strip, and arresting means controlled by the clocking strip for arresting such selected strip at a point intermediately of its length.

3. In a data access mechanism, film strip drive and positioning mechanism, a clocking strip, a separate film strip, means for moving the film strip into endwise, thrust driving relation with the clocking strip, and arresting means controlled by the clocking strip for controlling the lengthwise positioning of the film strip.

4. In a data access mechanism, film strip drive and positioning mechanism, a clocking strip, counting means controlled by endwise movement of the clocking strip, a separate film strip, drive means for moving the film strip into driving relation with the clocking strip, said counting means being operatively connected to the film strip drive means for arresting control thereof, and arresting means controlled by the clocking strip for controlling the lengthwise positioning of the film strip.

5. In a data access mechanism, drive and positioning mechanism for a selected one of a plurality of similar, substantially straight, data bearing strips inserted in a magazine, each of the strips bearing thereon a plurality of data entries spaced at known intervals lengthwise thereof; said mechanism comprising a substantially straight clocking strip, a plurality of clocking elements spaced lengthwise along the clocking strip at intervals corresponding to those of the data entries on the data bearing strips, means for simultaneously moving a selected one of the data bearing strips and the clocking strip in synchronized relation lengthwise thereof, a work zone mounted in the path of movement of the data bearing strip, sensing means mounted in the path of movement of the clocking elements and actuated by successive clocking elements during such movement, and means controlled by said sensing means for arresting such film strip upon actuation of the sensing means by a numerically selected one of the clocking elements.

6. An arrangement according to claim 5 wherein such selected data bearing strip and the clocking strip are in end-to-end relation during their simultaneous endwise movement.

7. An arrangement according to claim 5 wherein one of the strips is driven by the strip moving means, the driven strip being in endwise, thrust driving engagement with the other strip.

8. In a data access mechanism, drive and positioning mechanism for a selected one of a plurality of similar data bearing strips, each of the latter bearing thereon a plurality of data entries spaced at known intervals lengthwise thereof; said mechanism comprising a clocking strip, a plurality of clocking elements spaced lengthwise along the clocking strip at intervals corresponding to those of the data entries on the data bearing strips, means for simultaneously moving a selected one of the data bearing strips and the clocking strip in synchronized relation lengthwise thereof, a work zone mounted in the path of movement of the data bearing strip, sensing means mounted in the path of movement of the clocking elements, and spaced from the work zone by a distance corresponding to that between a specific one of the clocking elements and a specific data entry on such selected data bearing strip during such synchronized movement of the clocking strip and a selected data bearing strip, said sensing means being actuated by successive ones of the clocking elements during such movement, and means controlled by said sensing means for arresting such film strip upon actuation of the sensing means by a numerically selected one of the clocking elements.

9. In a data access mechanism, strip drive and positioning mechanism comprising a strip storage bin, a plurality of straight film strips stored therein, each film strip having a plurality of entries at spaced intervals thereon, strip drive means mounted adjacent the bin for moving a selected one of said strips along a fixed path, a work zone along such path, means for positioning the bin with a selected one of the strips in register with the strip drive means, means for moving such selected strip into engage ment with the strip drive means, means for actuating the strip drive means for moving such selected strip endwise along such fixed path, and clocking means separate from the strips and movable along such fixed path for arresting such selected strip with a selected entry thereon in register with the work zone.

10. In a data access mechanism, strip drive and positioning mechanism comprising a strip storage bin, at plurality of substantially straight strips stored in specific locations therein, each strip having a plurality of entries at spaced intervals thereon, a work zone beyond the bin, strip drive means for moving a selected one of said strips endwise to carry successive entries thereon through the work zone, means for positioning the bin with such selected strip in register with the strip drive means, means for moving such selected strip into engagement with the strip drive means, means for actuating the strip drive means for moving such selected strip endwise thereof relative to the work zone, clocking means separate from the strips for arresting such selected strip with a selected entry thereon in register with the work zone, and strip return means for thereafter returning such selected strip endwise thereof to its location in the bin.

11. An arrangement according to claim 10 wherein the return drive means engages the clocking means, and the return driving effect is transmitted through the clocking means to such selected strip.

12. In a data access mechanism, strip drive and positioning mechanism comprising a strip storage bin, a plurality of strips stored in specific locations therein, each strip having a plurality of entries at spaced intervals thereon, a work zone beyond the bin, strip moving means for moving a selected strip past the work zone, means for positioning the bin with a selected strip therein in register with the strip moving means, means for actuating the strip moving means for moving such selected strip endwise thereof from the bin to a selected position relative to the work zone, means for arresting such selected strip with a selected entry thereon in register with the work zone, and return drive means for thereafter returning such strip to its location in the bin from which it was moved by the strip moving means.

13. In a data access mechanism including a drive and positioning mechanism, a plurality of similar data bearing members, each having a plurality of data entries at spaced intervals thereon, a clocking member, a plurality of clocking elements at spaced intervals thereon, the spaced intervals of the clocking elements corresponding to those of the data entries, means for feeding a selected one of the data bearing members into operative, driving engagement with the clocking member, a work zone positioned in the path of movement of the entries on such selected data bearing member, control means in the path of movement of the clocking elements and accurately positioned relative to the work zone, said control means being actuated by successive clocking elements on the 1 1 clocking member upon such driven movement of the clocking member, and arresting means actuated by the control means upon actuation of the latter by a numerically selected one of the clocking elements, thereby to arrest such selected data bearing member in a numerically selected position relative to the Work zone.

14. In a data access mechanism, strip drive and positioning means, comprising a strip guideway, a clocking strip mounted for guided movement along said guideway, a pair of feed rollers mounted tangent to each other and to a common plane coincident with said guideway, a storage bin mounted for movement transversely of such common plane beyond said rollers from said guideway, a plurality of strips slidably inserted endwise thereof into said bin, each of a width to fit into said guideway, means for withdrawing a selected one of the strips from the bin and introducing an end thereof between said rollers for gripped engagement therebetween, and drive means for driving said rollers to feed such selected strip into endwise, thrust driving relation with the clocking strip for movement of the latter along the guideway ahead of such selected strip.

15. In a data access mechanism, mechanism for processing a selected one of a plurality of elongated data carrying members having a plurality of data entries at spaced intervals thereon, a work zone, an elongated clocking member, a plurality of clocking elements on said clocking member and spaced apart lengthwise thereof at intervals corresponding to those of the data entries on one of the data carrying members, sensing means mounted in the path of movement of the clocking elements and in accurately spaced relation to the work zone, drive means for moving the clocking strip past the sensing means for actuation of the sensing means by successive clocking elements, said drive means simultaneously moving a selected one of the data carrying members to carry successive data entries thereon into the work zone in synchronism with the actuation of the sensing means by successive clocking elements, and means controlled by the sensing means for arresting such selected data carrying member upon an actuation of the sensing means by a numerically selected one of the clocking elements, thereby to position in the work zone a numerically corresponding data entry on such selected data carrying member.

16. In a data access mechanism having means for selecting one of a plurality of similar data bearing members from a plurality thereof, each of said data bearing members having a plurality of data entries at spaced intervals thereon; a work zone, means for moving a selected data bearing member to position successive data entries thereon in the work zone, a separate clocking member movable along a fixed path, a plurality of clocking elements movable with the clocking strip and at spaced intervals thereon corresponding to the spaced intervals of the data entries on each of the data bearing members, sensing means mounted in the path of movement of the clocking elements, means for moving the clocking member synchronously with such selected data bearing mem ber, and arresting means controlled by the sensing means for arresting such selected data bearing member with a selected data entry thereon positioned in the work zone.

17. In a data access mechanism, a plurality of similar data bearing strips, each having a plurality of data entries at spaced intervals thereon, a clocking strip, a plurality of clocking elements at spaced intervals thereon, the spaced intervals of the clocking elements corresponding to those of the data entries on the data bearing strips, means for moving a selected one of the data bearing strips into operative, driving engagement with the clocking strip, a work zone positioned in the path of movement of the entries on the data bearing strip, control means actuated by successive clocking elements of the clocking strip upon a driven movement of the clocking strip by the data bear ing strip, and arresting means actuated by the control 12 means upon actuation of the latter by a numerically selected one of the clocking elements, thereby arresting such selected data bearing strip in a numerically selected position relative to the work zone.

18. In a data access mechanism, a plurality of similar, elongated, data members, each data bearing member having selected data entries at accurately spaced intervals therealong, an elongated clocking member separate from the data members, a plurality of clocking elements at accurately spaced intervals along the clocking member said intervals corresponding to the intervals of the data entries of the data members, means for feeding a selected one of the data members into operative, lengthwise, driving engagement with the clocking member, a work zone positioned in the path of movement of the data member, control means positioned in the path of movement of the clocking elements and actuated by successive clocking elements of the clocking member upon lengthwise movement of the latter, and arresting means actuated by the control means upon actuation of the latter by a numerically selected one of the clocking elements, thereby arresting the data member with a specific data entry thereon in a numerically selected position relative to the work zone.

19. In a data access mechanism, strip drive and positioning means comprising a storage bin, a plurality of strips slidably inserted endwise, and in closely juxtaposed, face-to-face relation therein, a fixed path, means for removing a selected strip endwise thereof from the :bin for movement along said path, a work zone on said path, a clocking strip, separate from the film strips and mounted for movement along said path, drive means mounted to move such selected strip and the clocking strip in unison along said path, thereby to move such selected strip through the work zone, and arresting means operated by the clocking strip for arresting such selected strip with a selected portion thereof intermediately of its length in the work zone.

20. In a data access mechanism, a large plurality of individual short film strips inserted endwise in a magazine, means for moving a selected one of said film strips endwise from the magazine, a single clocking strip separate from the film strips and mounted for movement into drive control relation with such selected film strip, and arresting means controlled by the clocking strip for arresting such selected film strip at a selected position intermediately of its length.

21. In a data access mechanism, a large plurality of individual short film strips inserted endwise in a magazine, film strip drive and positioning mechanism, a separate clocking strip, means for moving one of said film strips and said clocking strip into endwise, thrust driving relation with each other, and arresting means controlled by the clocking strip for controlling the lengthwise positioning of said one film strip.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,323,372 7/1943 Bryce 88-24 2,345,869 4/1944 Edwards.

2,731,205 1/ 1956 Innocenti 235-101 2,781,972 2/1957 Chaimowicz 235-6111 2,831,634 4/1958 Luhn 235-61.11 2,923,921 2/ 1960 Shapin.

3,002,671 10/1961 Brumbaugh 226-176 3,055,131 9/1962 Novak 40-36 3,075,682 1/1963 Hebb 226-176 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,243,958 9/1960 France.

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, ANDRES H. NIELSEN,

JEROME SCHNALL, Examiners, 

1. IN A DATA ACCESS MECHANISM, FILM STRIP DRIVE AND POSITIONING MECHANISM COMPRISING A SINGLE CLOCKING STRIP, A PLURALITY OF SEPARATE, INDIVIDUAL, DATA BEARING FILM STRIPS, MECHANISM FOR PLACING THE CLOCKING STRIP IN CONTROLLED, DRIVING RELATION WITH A SELECTED ONE OF THE FILM STRIP, A WORK ZONE MOUNTED IN THE PATH OF MOVEMENT OF A SELECTED 